Industry 4.0 has seen the rapid advancement of next generation capabilities such as automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics, which are massively impacting all business functions.
Rowland Ramalingam, head of non-motor claims at Santam, says: “We live in a world of self-driving cars and instant data at our fingertips. A world where convenience and efficiency are everything to customers, and something they look for at every business interaction. Insurance companies are not immune to these changes – the future world of claims must start now. Insurers need to finesse claims processes to ensure round-the-clock service for clients.”
Santam is already embracing the future of claims through innovative technology to improve efficiencies, increase client satisfaction and lower the cost of insurance claims administration.
Ramalingam gives advice on the future world of claims:
Keep it client centric
These days, clients expect a seamless experience across all touch points. Insurers should use technology to improve the customer claims journey, in order to differentiate their offering. This can be done in the following ways:
* A mobile offering solution that can be accessed at any time from any location.
* Automated responses that occur in real time.
* An omni-channel presence with a seamless experience at every touch point.
For example, Santam prioritises client centricity through its mobile app functionality and AI that ensures more accurate claims paying ability.
Digitalise the claims value chain
It’s imperative to find the right tools and software to empower a seamless claims value chain. Guidewire is an insurance platform that promotes optimised insurance operations, facilitates automated task tracking, real-time collaboration, seamless systems integration and more.
By implementing claims best practices identified via Guidewire’s global customer base, insurers can improve loss cost and cycle times.
Additionally, by automating repetitive tasks, staff are freed up to focus on the highest-value claims management activities. Santam is the first insurer in Africa to work with Guidewire.
Strengthen the focus on customers
Offering an end-to-end claims management solution to improve customer service and the experience across the claims lifecycle should be a priority.
Tools like Guidewire enable insurers to decrease cycle times and improve productivity. It’s also pivotal to continually ask customers what they want. Checking in and taking the temperature of how satisfied they are with your service – and how it can be improved – is key.
Enable self-service on digital platforms
This is particularly true for non-emergency claims. Setting up an app or a dedicated website – like an online portal – means clients can get quick and easy access to their entire insurance portfolios to view policy details and request adjustments, and to report and track claims.
Enabling self-service ensures 90% of claims are registered and tracked online, with client service consultants able to assist clients in emergency cases throughout every step of the journey.
Additionally, AI can be used to settle 30% of claims, appointment of the most suitable supplier, customer sentiment analysis and assist with repetitive functions.
Proactively use the Internet of Things
Prevention of damage is always the number one choice. What if you could avoid a fire or a geyser burst entirely? Today, digitalisation allows for sensory technology that can thwart damage by proactively detecting an issue ahead of time (like a faulty geyser) and sending signals to insurers.
This Internet of Things integration is the future of claims.
Enable adaptability
It’s important for insurers to adapt fast as market conditions evolve. A claims system should be embraced as a strategic asset that can meet needs today and in the future. Guidewire’s Claim Center can assist through future-focused upgrades that protect technological investments.
Ramalingam concludes, “To remain relevant and competitive, it’s essential that insurers start building technology into every facet of the claims process, including a scientific pricing model and an improved understanding of client behaviour.”